Mumbai observes sombre Eid-ul-Zuha celebrations

PTIDec 9, 2008, 02.57pm IST

MUMBAI: In the backdrop of the recent terror attacks in the city, the Muslim community here have decided to keep the celebrations of Eid-ul-Zuha sombre.

Many people decided to wear a black band on this occasion which spells festivity, joy and celebration popularly known as Bakri-Eid, to send out a strong message that "terror will not be tolerated anymore."

Several organisations have also decided to keep it a low key affair.

"How can one celebrate when hundreds of Mumbaikars are still recovering in hospitals or mourning the deaths of their loved ones. For those terrorists and commoners who link terrorism with religion, I would like to say that they don't know what Islam is," Alifiya Khan, a journalist, said.

On similar lines, Advocate Farhana Shah said, "Eid is a holy occasion that symbolises sacrificing in the name of god, which will be observed in my house. There will be no more celebrations. No religion, especially not Islam, preaches violence."

Raihana Islam, a social activist said, "I don't like it that every time there is a terror attack I somehow have to prove my innocence just because I am a Muslim."

On November 26, terrorists had struck at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), Taj Hotel, Oberoi Hotel and Nariman House.

The 72 hours nightmare left over 170 persons including 14 policemen dead and 248 persons injured.